sir mix-a-lot
05-24-2006, 08:12 PM
You've stumbled upon the wonderful world of Decoy Music's weekly Listening Station. So plug in your iPods or whatever you use and get ready to fill it with items selected by staff, readers, and bands you know and love. You could also buy an album, even. I know, far-fetched.
Truman Craves Attention: Showoff - Waiting For You EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/showoff.jpg
Website: (http://www.pacificridgerecords.com/?page_id=34) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/pacificridgerecords)
Showoff has been a favorite of mine since their debut release in '99. This band has tried to re-form once before with a different sound but ended up changing their name. It’s nice to hear that this time, Chris Envy has assembled a group of guys to create a new band that has songs that are just as good as the original Showoff had before they broke up. If you were ever a fan of this band, this EP will not disappoint. If you are tired of some of the horrible poppier punk bands of the last few years, Showoff is what your ears need. I enjoy this EP and it was exactly what I thought it would be.
Kerwin White, The Only Non-Staff Poster On The Decoy Music Boards, Picks The Only Album I've Been Horrendously Wrong About: Circle Takes The Square - As The Roots Undo
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/circletakesthesquare.jpg
Website: (http://www.circletakesthesquare.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/circletakesthesquare)
In a sea full of generic, unmelodic hardcore and screamo acts, Circle Takes the Square certainly stands on a pedestal much higher than any other band in these genres. On As the Roots Undo, CTTS manages to mix elements of post-rock and indie into their style of chaotic post-hardcore, while not being boring or pretentious about it in the slightest. All in all, As the Roots Undo is a poetic, raging-calm mixture of musical bliss and fans of any of the aforementioned genres should definitely give these talented Georgia natives a listen.
Barry Is Probably Crying After Popping His Listening Station Cherry: Renee Heartfelt - Death Of The Ghost
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/reneeheartfelt.jpg
Website: (http://www.reneeheartfelt.com) :: Listen: (http://myspace.com/reneeheartfelt)
The idea that a rock band will come in and fill the shoes of Failure, Hum, and The Smashing Pumpkins is a lofty notion to comprehend. For those still looking, look no further. Renee Heartfelt’s fantastic full-length Death Of The Ghost mixes groovy Quicksand-esque riffage with shoegazing rock melodies that wouldn’t seem out of the ordinary on a Hum or Smashing Pumpkins album. Mix that with crisp, soaring vocals and, as Carl Weathers said during a guest appearance on Arrested Development, “Baby, you got a stew goin'!” Somebody take this band on tour, they need to be heard.
Chris Conlan's Embers Are Stoked By: Nerina Pallot - Fires
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/nerinapallot.jpg
Website: (http://www.nerinapallot.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/nerinapallot)
The UK is a breeding ground for up & coming acts and Nerina Pallot is one of them. The question that needs to be asked is why Nerina hasn't hit the States yet. The first time I heard Nerina, I was absolutely blown away with her cover of "Everybody's Gone to War" (watch the video for the song here (http://www.videoc.co.uk/micrositedisplayfull.asp?vidref=neri002&page=watch&FileType=ADSLProg)). Her voice is immaculate and it shines through all the songs on Fires. I hope some majors in the U.S. pick up on her because she would be huge here in the States, especially because she is "talented." I say that because, instead of hearing the over-the-top pop songs you hear on the radio (Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Duff), you actually get solid pop songs with heart. If you are fan of Natasha Bedingfield or Eisley, you will fall in love with Nerina.
Nerina, will you marry me?
Scott Makes Me Wonder If Maybe, Just Maybe, Keith Richards Is Racist: Hey Negrita - The Buzz Above
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/heynegrita.jpg
Website: (http://www.heynegrita.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/heynegrita)
Named after a Rolling Stones song and stating influences like Johnny Cash, Lou Reed and, of course, The Stones, Hey Negrita had some rather large shoes to fill as I popped in their new album, The Buzz Above. And, after listening to the first three tracks, it hadn't really grabbed me yet. Then came the fourth, a song called "Abandon Ship." It's one of the best folk-rock songs I've ever heard and snagged me instantly. From that point on, I listened with opened ears. Nearly every track has a killer hook accompanied by smooth instrumentation and vocals which draw you in, exuding a down-home comfort that invites you to delve deeper. It's definitely not for everyone, but Hey Negrita is producing some damn fine Americana, which is interesting, because they're British.
Daniel Alcinii Chews Flourescent Bulb Glass In The Dark While Listening To: Cancer Bats - Cancer Bats
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/cancerbats.jpg
Website: (http://www.cancerbats.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/cancerbats)
The Cancer Bats are all over the fucking place, both in the music scene and on stage. Frontman Liam Cormier is a monster on stage, singing with loads of passion at the top of his lungs, running back and forth and getting the crowd fucking pumped up; everyone’s dancing, whether you like them or not. It's not very often that a band which only has a six song EP gets to tour with the likes of Every Time I Die, Nora, Alexisonfire, Bane, Comeback Kid, The Bled, This Is Hell, etc. Not only can they land on huge bills, but they can also get so much exposure with such little material - playing sets on Toronto's biggest rock radio station (Edge 102.1), a live performance on MTV Canada, and a video that gets a good deal of play on Much Music Canada. Southern rock has never been more popular in a genre where hardcore and metal reign, but with bands like Every Time I Die and Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster leaving their mark behind, the future looks very bright for the Cancer Bats.
Jared Is Keeping His X's Crossed That The Blood Isn't HIV Positive: Purified In Blood - Reaper Of Souls
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/purifiedinblood.jpg
Website: (http://www.xpurifiedinbloodx.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/purifiedinblood)
If Darkest Hour had some Norwegian cousins, this is what they would sound like. Purified in Blood, not surprisingly, used to be a hardcore band, but have taken on more metalcore leanings on Reaper of Souls. European melodic death metal doesn't get any better than this. I can't say I prescribe to the vegan straightedge lifestyle, but as long as music this good comes out of the scene, I'll be happy.
Dave Wasn't Too Specific On The Details, But I Believe These Beastly Bastards Suck The Gasoline Out Of Your Car To Convert You: Vampire Mooose - Vampire Mooose
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/vampiremooose.jpg
Website: (http://www.vampiremooose.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/vampiremooose)
With heavy music, the more obscure and bizarre bands usually leave the longest impressions. Vampire Mooose’s 2003 self-titled debut is certainly one of those albums. The band combines several eccentric musical elements into their barrage of devastatingly heavy songs. Complex rhythms similar to tech-metal bands like The Dillinger Escape Plan or Meshuggah can be found throughout the album. One of the greatest aspects of Vampire Mooose is their ability to throw a musical curveball. “Eye of the Knorm” shows the band utilizing elements of hip-hop in one of the most effective ways I have ever heard in a metal band. Elements of jazz, death metal, and classical guitar can also be heard as they take you on a chaotic roller coaster ride through complex metal and hardcore songs. Fans of any experimental heavy music will certainly find something to appreciate on this one. Considering the talent and innovation displayed here, it’s a shame that very few people have heard about this band (maybe it’s their terrible name). I had the opportunity to see them a while ago and there couldn’t have been more than 15 people there but they still managed to kick ass.
Marc Wonders If He's Living The American Dream When He's Listening To: American Nightmare - Background Music
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/americannightmare.jpg
Website: (http://www.purevolume.com/giveuptheghost) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/giveuptheghost)
They came, they saw, and they conquered. You will never understand this band, how unique they were until you read each word Wes Eisold wrote. Heartbreak, sarcasm, wit, and sincerity are what come to mind when Wes writes. Before American Nightmare released Background Music, hardcore was becoming pretty dull and nothing new was really happening. After Background Music, you could see the influence the band had alongside the countless clones. It was refreshing.
Fusing together hardcore and punk in a traditional sense, this was fast and pissed off. Something you can save for those days where you can just read lyrics, instead of punching a wall. When listening to Background Music, you can feel the emotion that was put into this record every time you press play. Though the band has since disbanded, their influence is still heard. And hopefully will continue to be heard. It is just good to know that a band came that spoke directly to you, that reflected your life. And it was the only thing that got you through it.
Tim Is Probably The Only Person To Shed A Tear Over That One Dude Leaving: Sum 41 - Chuck
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sum41.jpg
Website: (http://www.sum41.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sum41)
After almost dying during a visit to Congo, Sum 41 came back to America and made a kickass album. I know what you're saying -- Tim, come on! Sum 41? Well, fuck you. This band knows how to write a kickass song, whether it's tapping back to the days of speed metal and doing introductions that would make Iron Maiden proud or just writing some really catchy tune you can sing along to with your kid brother. Who cares if this band is popular? They're one of the bands that deserve it and they're always funny. This album always finds a way back into my stereo every once and awhile, and this week, it's my main focus. Pick it up if you don't have it.
Brent Needs Something To Calm His Nerves After His 73-Hour Salsa Party: Iron and Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ironandwine.jpg
Website: (http://www.ironandwine.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ironandwine)
Blending warm, acoustic chord progressions with simple, direct lyrics about totally ordinary things creates extraordinary songs on this album. I can't think of a better record to play on a Sunday morning while reading the paper or better music to complement the mood of lying in bed with a woman. Screw Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews; Sam Beam is the greatest acoustic singer/songwriter of today.
Aaron's Pretty Sure These Guys Are More Talent Than Goat: Billy Talent - Billy Talent II
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/billytalent.jpg
Website: (http://www.billytalent.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/billytalent)
I have to say that the first Billy Talent album really caught me off guard. It had a distinct rock sound that I found to be extremely catchy and enjoyable. The voice of lead singer Benjamin stands out as one of the most distinct lead singers I've heard in quite some time. The tones of the guitars are also a copyright novelty that Billy Talent possesses. There's no way you're going to hear them on the radio and think they sound like anyone else, which seems to be a tall task in this day and age of mainstream rock. Their new album seems to contain hit after hit as well. It's chock full of melody and catchy choruses. One listen to the single "Devil In A Midnight Mass" and you'll see exactly what these four guys bring to the table. I find myself listening to the new album on repeat quite often and can't wait until everyone else has the chance to hear it when it hits stores June 27th.
Chris Pandolfo Is Aware Of The Phrase "Variety Is The Spice Of Life," But Can't Handle Even The Lightest Of Seasoning Salts: Between The Buried And Me - Demo
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/btbam2.jpg
Website: (http://www.betweentheburiedandme.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/betweentheburiedandme)
Although I entered a BTBAM Listening Station last week, I couldn’t help but submit them once again. I was able to get ahold of the band’s demo, which was really never released before the self-titled. It includes a beautifully brutal “More Of Myself To Kill.” I’m still contemplating on which version I like better: the demo or the album version. All I have to say is, if you have any chance to see Between The Buried And Me live, TAKE IT!
Dant Is The Figurative Fire Extinguisher For: A Fire Inside - December Underground
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/afi.jpg
Website: (http://www.afireinside.net) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/afi)
This time around I chose AFI’s new album, DecemberUnderground. I was never the biggest fan of AFI; I only actually enjoyed about two of their albums. The hardcore fans are probably going to shun this album, but I’m sure that they would have no matter what it sounded like because a lot of AFI’s hardcore fans are morons.
I didn’t go into this album expecting much and that may have been exactly why I enjoyed it so much. They are a band that made a drastic change and I, for one, enjoy it.
Brandon Would Like To Thank Them For All The Memories: MxPx - At The Show
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mxpx.jpg
Website: (http://www.mxpx.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mxpx)
If you can't get to an MXPX live show, then the closest thing you can do is check out this disc. Mike and the boys go through a full set of oldies and goodies in this '99 release. They throw out some crowd faves such as "Punk Rock Show," "Chick Magnet," and he has the crowd help him out in several of the numbers too. So if you want an MXPX live show on disc, but still want the quality of a studio album, then throw this disc in!
Jordan Is Looking To Melt All Those: Metal Hearts - Socialize
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/metalhearts.jpg
Website: (http://www.metalheartsmusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/themetalhearts)
It's hard to classify Metal Hearts's sound. They're not metal at all, not even close. It's got a very shoe-gazing sort of quality to it. Modern contemporaries might include Tunng, Belle and Sebastian, some of Grand National, a more minimal Modest Mouse, Ugly Casanova, etc. It's a seriously cool album and a very cool sound. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for something different and artsy without any of the pretension.
Ben Relives His Previous Employment As A Commercial Fisherman By Re-Visiting: Giant Squid - Metridium Field
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/giantsquid.jpg
Website: (http://www.giantsquidmusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/giantsquidmusic)
I don't know what's more disappointing: That I didn't know about Giant Squid until last summer, only to find out not only that they were great, but that they were local, or that they hauled ass to Austin before I ever got to see them again. This album, Metridium Field, is still available via Crucial Blast, but there's really no point in getting it, as they're currently re-recording the effort with Billy Anderson, who's worked with such greats as Mr. Bungle to name just one. He mostly works for sludgier bands in the vein of Isis, which is convenient, because that's pretty much what Giant Squid sounds like. Of course, Giant Squid is anything but another boring Neurosis ripoff. The band intertwines folk elements, along with classical composition chops and a strange sense of melody, to its bass-heavy atmospheric doom. This is an album truly deserving of the word "epic" and their tales of seamen gone astray rival anything Mastodon or Book of Knots put out in their concept albums. It's just damned good and I wish I'd found them sooner.
Adam Doesn't Have To Worry About Such Things: Carrigan - Young Men Never Die
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/carrigan.jpg
Website: (http://www.carriganclub.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/carriganclub)
Carrigan is the latest signing to Massachussetts's brilliant Radar Recordings, contributing more luscious, soaring, spacious rock. The duo creates a very acoustic-driven sound that is completely overlapped with electronic subtleties, not dissimilar to The Beatles, Wintersleep, and Mouse on Mars. Young Men Never Die is their sophomore album and with 10 songs and 52 minutes of gorgeous music, it's one indie album not to be missed this year.
Truman Craves Attention: Showoff - Waiting For You EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/showoff.jpg
Website: (http://www.pacificridgerecords.com/?page_id=34) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/pacificridgerecords)
Showoff has been a favorite of mine since their debut release in '99. This band has tried to re-form once before with a different sound but ended up changing their name. It’s nice to hear that this time, Chris Envy has assembled a group of guys to create a new band that has songs that are just as good as the original Showoff had before they broke up. If you were ever a fan of this band, this EP will not disappoint. If you are tired of some of the horrible poppier punk bands of the last few years, Showoff is what your ears need. I enjoy this EP and it was exactly what I thought it would be.
Kerwin White, The Only Non-Staff Poster On The Decoy Music Boards, Picks The Only Album I've Been Horrendously Wrong About: Circle Takes The Square - As The Roots Undo
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/circletakesthesquare.jpg
Website: (http://www.circletakesthesquare.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/circletakesthesquare)
In a sea full of generic, unmelodic hardcore and screamo acts, Circle Takes the Square certainly stands on a pedestal much higher than any other band in these genres. On As the Roots Undo, CTTS manages to mix elements of post-rock and indie into their style of chaotic post-hardcore, while not being boring or pretentious about it in the slightest. All in all, As the Roots Undo is a poetic, raging-calm mixture of musical bliss and fans of any of the aforementioned genres should definitely give these talented Georgia natives a listen.
Barry Is Probably Crying After Popping His Listening Station Cherry: Renee Heartfelt - Death Of The Ghost
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/reneeheartfelt.jpg
Website: (http://www.reneeheartfelt.com) :: Listen: (http://myspace.com/reneeheartfelt)
The idea that a rock band will come in and fill the shoes of Failure, Hum, and The Smashing Pumpkins is a lofty notion to comprehend. For those still looking, look no further. Renee Heartfelt’s fantastic full-length Death Of The Ghost mixes groovy Quicksand-esque riffage with shoegazing rock melodies that wouldn’t seem out of the ordinary on a Hum or Smashing Pumpkins album. Mix that with crisp, soaring vocals and, as Carl Weathers said during a guest appearance on Arrested Development, “Baby, you got a stew goin'!” Somebody take this band on tour, they need to be heard.
Chris Conlan's Embers Are Stoked By: Nerina Pallot - Fires
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/nerinapallot.jpg
Website: (http://www.nerinapallot.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/nerinapallot)
The UK is a breeding ground for up & coming acts and Nerina Pallot is one of them. The question that needs to be asked is why Nerina hasn't hit the States yet. The first time I heard Nerina, I was absolutely blown away with her cover of "Everybody's Gone to War" (watch the video for the song here (http://www.videoc.co.uk/micrositedisplayfull.asp?vidref=neri002&page=watch&FileType=ADSLProg)). Her voice is immaculate and it shines through all the songs on Fires. I hope some majors in the U.S. pick up on her because she would be huge here in the States, especially because she is "talented." I say that because, instead of hearing the over-the-top pop songs you hear on the radio (Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Duff), you actually get solid pop songs with heart. If you are fan of Natasha Bedingfield or Eisley, you will fall in love with Nerina.
Nerina, will you marry me?
Scott Makes Me Wonder If Maybe, Just Maybe, Keith Richards Is Racist: Hey Negrita - The Buzz Above
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/heynegrita.jpg
Website: (http://www.heynegrita.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/heynegrita)
Named after a Rolling Stones song and stating influences like Johnny Cash, Lou Reed and, of course, The Stones, Hey Negrita had some rather large shoes to fill as I popped in their new album, The Buzz Above. And, after listening to the first three tracks, it hadn't really grabbed me yet. Then came the fourth, a song called "Abandon Ship." It's one of the best folk-rock songs I've ever heard and snagged me instantly. From that point on, I listened with opened ears. Nearly every track has a killer hook accompanied by smooth instrumentation and vocals which draw you in, exuding a down-home comfort that invites you to delve deeper. It's definitely not for everyone, but Hey Negrita is producing some damn fine Americana, which is interesting, because they're British.
Daniel Alcinii Chews Flourescent Bulb Glass In The Dark While Listening To: Cancer Bats - Cancer Bats
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/cancerbats.jpg
Website: (http://www.cancerbats.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/cancerbats)
The Cancer Bats are all over the fucking place, both in the music scene and on stage. Frontman Liam Cormier is a monster on stage, singing with loads of passion at the top of his lungs, running back and forth and getting the crowd fucking pumped up; everyone’s dancing, whether you like them or not. It's not very often that a band which only has a six song EP gets to tour with the likes of Every Time I Die, Nora, Alexisonfire, Bane, Comeback Kid, The Bled, This Is Hell, etc. Not only can they land on huge bills, but they can also get so much exposure with such little material - playing sets on Toronto's biggest rock radio station (Edge 102.1), a live performance on MTV Canada, and a video that gets a good deal of play on Much Music Canada. Southern rock has never been more popular in a genre where hardcore and metal reign, but with bands like Every Time I Die and Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster leaving their mark behind, the future looks very bright for the Cancer Bats.
Jared Is Keeping His X's Crossed That The Blood Isn't HIV Positive: Purified In Blood - Reaper Of Souls
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/purifiedinblood.jpg
Website: (http://www.xpurifiedinbloodx.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/purifiedinblood)
If Darkest Hour had some Norwegian cousins, this is what they would sound like. Purified in Blood, not surprisingly, used to be a hardcore band, but have taken on more metalcore leanings on Reaper of Souls. European melodic death metal doesn't get any better than this. I can't say I prescribe to the vegan straightedge lifestyle, but as long as music this good comes out of the scene, I'll be happy.
Dave Wasn't Too Specific On The Details, But I Believe These Beastly Bastards Suck The Gasoline Out Of Your Car To Convert You: Vampire Mooose - Vampire Mooose
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/vampiremooose.jpg
Website: (http://www.vampiremooose.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/vampiremooose)
With heavy music, the more obscure and bizarre bands usually leave the longest impressions. Vampire Mooose’s 2003 self-titled debut is certainly one of those albums. The band combines several eccentric musical elements into their barrage of devastatingly heavy songs. Complex rhythms similar to tech-metal bands like The Dillinger Escape Plan or Meshuggah can be found throughout the album. One of the greatest aspects of Vampire Mooose is their ability to throw a musical curveball. “Eye of the Knorm” shows the band utilizing elements of hip-hop in one of the most effective ways I have ever heard in a metal band. Elements of jazz, death metal, and classical guitar can also be heard as they take you on a chaotic roller coaster ride through complex metal and hardcore songs. Fans of any experimental heavy music will certainly find something to appreciate on this one. Considering the talent and innovation displayed here, it’s a shame that very few people have heard about this band (maybe it’s their terrible name). I had the opportunity to see them a while ago and there couldn’t have been more than 15 people there but they still managed to kick ass.
Marc Wonders If He's Living The American Dream When He's Listening To: American Nightmare - Background Music
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/americannightmare.jpg
Website: (http://www.purevolume.com/giveuptheghost) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/giveuptheghost)
They came, they saw, and they conquered. You will never understand this band, how unique they were until you read each word Wes Eisold wrote. Heartbreak, sarcasm, wit, and sincerity are what come to mind when Wes writes. Before American Nightmare released Background Music, hardcore was becoming pretty dull and nothing new was really happening. After Background Music, you could see the influence the band had alongside the countless clones. It was refreshing.
Fusing together hardcore and punk in a traditional sense, this was fast and pissed off. Something you can save for those days where you can just read lyrics, instead of punching a wall. When listening to Background Music, you can feel the emotion that was put into this record every time you press play. Though the band has since disbanded, their influence is still heard. And hopefully will continue to be heard. It is just good to know that a band came that spoke directly to you, that reflected your life. And it was the only thing that got you through it.
Tim Is Probably The Only Person To Shed A Tear Over That One Dude Leaving: Sum 41 - Chuck
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/sum41.jpg
Website: (http://www.sum41.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/sum41)
After almost dying during a visit to Congo, Sum 41 came back to America and made a kickass album. I know what you're saying -- Tim, come on! Sum 41? Well, fuck you. This band knows how to write a kickass song, whether it's tapping back to the days of speed metal and doing introductions that would make Iron Maiden proud or just writing some really catchy tune you can sing along to with your kid brother. Who cares if this band is popular? They're one of the bands that deserve it and they're always funny. This album always finds a way back into my stereo every once and awhile, and this week, it's my main focus. Pick it up if you don't have it.
Brent Needs Something To Calm His Nerves After His 73-Hour Salsa Party: Iron and Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ironandwine.jpg
Website: (http://www.ironandwine.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/ironandwine)
Blending warm, acoustic chord progressions with simple, direct lyrics about totally ordinary things creates extraordinary songs on this album. I can't think of a better record to play on a Sunday morning while reading the paper or better music to complement the mood of lying in bed with a woman. Screw Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews; Sam Beam is the greatest acoustic singer/songwriter of today.
Aaron's Pretty Sure These Guys Are More Talent Than Goat: Billy Talent - Billy Talent II
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/billytalent.jpg
Website: (http://www.billytalent.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/billytalent)
I have to say that the first Billy Talent album really caught me off guard. It had a distinct rock sound that I found to be extremely catchy and enjoyable. The voice of lead singer Benjamin stands out as one of the most distinct lead singers I've heard in quite some time. The tones of the guitars are also a copyright novelty that Billy Talent possesses. There's no way you're going to hear them on the radio and think they sound like anyone else, which seems to be a tall task in this day and age of mainstream rock. Their new album seems to contain hit after hit as well. It's chock full of melody and catchy choruses. One listen to the single "Devil In A Midnight Mass" and you'll see exactly what these four guys bring to the table. I find myself listening to the new album on repeat quite often and can't wait until everyone else has the chance to hear it when it hits stores June 27th.
Chris Pandolfo Is Aware Of The Phrase "Variety Is The Spice Of Life," But Can't Handle Even The Lightest Of Seasoning Salts: Between The Buried And Me - Demo
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/btbam2.jpg
Website: (http://www.betweentheburiedandme.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/betweentheburiedandme)
Although I entered a BTBAM Listening Station last week, I couldn’t help but submit them once again. I was able to get ahold of the band’s demo, which was really never released before the self-titled. It includes a beautifully brutal “More Of Myself To Kill.” I’m still contemplating on which version I like better: the demo or the album version. All I have to say is, if you have any chance to see Between The Buried And Me live, TAKE IT!
Dant Is The Figurative Fire Extinguisher For: A Fire Inside - December Underground
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/afi.jpg
Website: (http://www.afireinside.net) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/afi)
This time around I chose AFI’s new album, DecemberUnderground. I was never the biggest fan of AFI; I only actually enjoyed about two of their albums. The hardcore fans are probably going to shun this album, but I’m sure that they would have no matter what it sounded like because a lot of AFI’s hardcore fans are morons.
I didn’t go into this album expecting much and that may have been exactly why I enjoyed it so much. They are a band that made a drastic change and I, for one, enjoy it.
Brandon Would Like To Thank Them For All The Memories: MxPx - At The Show
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mxpx.jpg
Website: (http://www.mxpx.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mxpx)
If you can't get to an MXPX live show, then the closest thing you can do is check out this disc. Mike and the boys go through a full set of oldies and goodies in this '99 release. They throw out some crowd faves such as "Punk Rock Show," "Chick Magnet," and he has the crowd help him out in several of the numbers too. So if you want an MXPX live show on disc, but still want the quality of a studio album, then throw this disc in!
Jordan Is Looking To Melt All Those: Metal Hearts - Socialize
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/metalhearts.jpg
Website: (http://www.metalheartsmusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/themetalhearts)
It's hard to classify Metal Hearts's sound. They're not metal at all, not even close. It's got a very shoe-gazing sort of quality to it. Modern contemporaries might include Tunng, Belle and Sebastian, some of Grand National, a more minimal Modest Mouse, Ugly Casanova, etc. It's a seriously cool album and a very cool sound. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for something different and artsy without any of the pretension.
Ben Relives His Previous Employment As A Commercial Fisherman By Re-Visiting: Giant Squid - Metridium Field
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/giantsquid.jpg
Website: (http://www.giantsquidmusic.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/giantsquidmusic)
I don't know what's more disappointing: That I didn't know about Giant Squid until last summer, only to find out not only that they were great, but that they were local, or that they hauled ass to Austin before I ever got to see them again. This album, Metridium Field, is still available via Crucial Blast, but there's really no point in getting it, as they're currently re-recording the effort with Billy Anderson, who's worked with such greats as Mr. Bungle to name just one. He mostly works for sludgier bands in the vein of Isis, which is convenient, because that's pretty much what Giant Squid sounds like. Of course, Giant Squid is anything but another boring Neurosis ripoff. The band intertwines folk elements, along with classical composition chops and a strange sense of melody, to its bass-heavy atmospheric doom. This is an album truly deserving of the word "epic" and their tales of seamen gone astray rival anything Mastodon or Book of Knots put out in their concept albums. It's just damned good and I wish I'd found them sooner.
Adam Doesn't Have To Worry About Such Things: Carrigan - Young Men Never Die
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/carrigan.jpg
Website: (http://www.carriganclub.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/carriganclub)
Carrigan is the latest signing to Massachussetts's brilliant Radar Recordings, contributing more luscious, soaring, spacious rock. The duo creates a very acoustic-driven sound that is completely overlapped with electronic subtleties, not dissimilar to The Beatles, Wintersleep, and Mouse on Mars. Young Men Never Die is their sophomore album and with 10 songs and 52 minutes of gorgeous music, it's one indie album not to be missed this year.